Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World Overview

You know what hits you first when you walk into the Grand Palace Hotel? It’s not just that it’s gorgeous – though it absolutely is – it’s that someone actually thought about every single detail. I mean, this place sits right on Pils iela, basically in the shadow of Riga Castle, and they could’ve easily gone the cheesy medieval route. Instead, they’ve created something that feels both grand and genuinely livable.

The location is honestly ridiculous (in the best way). You’re literally steps from the cobblestone streets of Old Town, but here’s the thing most people don’t realize – you’re positioned perfectly to avoid the cruise ship crowds that flood Doma laukums every morning. Walk two minutes toward the Daugava and you’ll hit spots most tourists never see, like that little courtyard behind St. Jacob’s Cathedral where locals actually hang out. The hotel itself used to be a historic mansion, and you can feel it in the bones of the building – high ceilings that don’t feel overwhelming, original hardwood floors that creak just enough to remind you where you are, windows that frame the city like paintings.

What really gets me is how they’ve handled the luxury aspect. Sure, it’s part of Small Luxury Hotels, so you expect quality, but there’s nothing stuffy about it. The staff knows your name by day two (not in a creepy way, just… attentive), and they’ll give you actual recommendations, not the usual tourist traps. When I asked about breakfast spots, they sent me to a place on Elizabetes iela that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms themselves strike this perfect balance – you’ve got all the tech you need, beautiful bathrooms with those rainfall showers that actually work, but also reading nooks with proper lighting and blackout curtains that understand what darkness means. The beds are honestly some of the most comfortable I’ve encountered in Europe, and I say that as someone who’s stayed in way too many hotels.

Parking can be tricky in this part of Riga – the streets are narrow and half of them are pedestrian-only during the day – but they’ve got valet service that’s actually worth using. The breakfast room gets busy around 8:30 when the business travelers hit, but if you’re there by 8 or after 9:30, you’ll have space to breathe. One small thing that impressed me: they somehow managed to soundproof the place despite being in a centuries-old building. No street noise, no hallway chatter, just quiet when you need it. The 9.2 rating makes complete sense when you experience it – it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in the Baltics, but everything they do, they do extremely well. If you’re the type who appreciates thoughtful hospitality over Instagram moments, this is your spot.

Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World Accommodations

Reviews of Grand Palace Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

• A lovely hotel in a perfect position – Michael from United Kingdom – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  A traditional but very pleasant hotel with excellent rooms and staff, good value for money and great breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all

• Exceptional – Andreea from Romania – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing hotel, in the heart of old city, minutes walking to main attractions.
  Excellent service and care for clients 🥰
  Design of the hotel is top notch 🦄
  Food and drinks exceptional 😋
  And beautiful parrot as companion for breakfast. See you soon Misha ❤️

• Great hotel in the old town – Jo from United Kingdom – 19 June 2025 (8/10)

  Staff were very pleasant and the breakfast staff very efficient. The breakfast and breakfast room were lovely. Great location, right in the old town.
  
  What could be improved: No residents seating area which would have been nice. Shower over a narrow bath wasn't great. It more of a 4 star than 5

• Superb – Mark from United Kingdom – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything, location, breakfast, friendly staff,comforfable bedroom
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

• Beautiful building, great service and staff – David from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location, opulence and class! The staff could not have been anymore accommodating!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Noel from Ireland – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very central location and within walking distance of areas of interest. The breakfast is excellent and the omlettes amazing and nice to see cooked in the breakfast room with your filling of choice, made even nicer by the daily smile of the very attentive staff. The bar is old world and comfortable without being to stuffy.
  Check in/out was seamless, with engaging and helpful desk staff.
  I used the sauna and relaxation area and it was clean and well serviced. The gym area is to small and not really for working out in.
  Overall a wonderful stay..

• Lovely Stay – Declan from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location. Great sauna.
  
  What could be improved: Smoking in the bar, so it smelt of smoke when first walking into the hotel

• Exceptional – Linda from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  Small and elegant

• wonderful – Tija from United States – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  misha et all

• Exceptional – Karen from United Kingdom – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and attentive staff.

Surroundings

Facilities